New Zealanders are feeling more pessimistic about employment prospects and security

Westpac-McDermott Miller is reporting a 13 point drop in employment confidence for its June quarter index.

It's the lowest reading since we emerged from the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon says the slowdown in the economy's really hitting people.

He says it's normal for the labour market to be one of the last things to respond.

Michael Gordon says the cumulative effects are starting to come through now - with more meaningful rises in unemployment and awareness of job losses.